U.S. Architecture

The Troubling Legacy of North America’s Oldest Brick House

The Troubling Legacy of North America’s Oldest Brick House

Bacon's Castle in Virginia is a microcosm of major trends in U.S. history and culture.

The Style that Went Around the World

The Style that Went Around the World

Most Gothic architecture was built in the 19th and 20th centuries when the medieval style underwent a global revival. Now, Gothic is trending again.

The Rosetta Stone

The Rosetta Stone

The Rosetta Stone, which revolutionized the study of Egypt and ancient languages, continues to court controversy today.

Comeback of the Courtyard House

Comeback of the Courtyard House

The pandemic, soaring cost of housing and environmental concerns are renewing interest in courtyard houses, albeit on a miniature scale.

Rebuilding after 9/11

Rebuilding after 9/11

Remembering September 11th has been a national opportunity to evaluate the past and move on with the long messy process of rebuilding.

Versailles’ Checkered Legacy

Versailles’ Checkered Legacy

Versailles has an image of lavish opulence under the Sun King, Louis XIV, but the palace also has a history of revolution and American ties.

The Booming and Broiling Southwest

The Booming and Broiling Southwest

The American Southwest is the fastest growing region in the United States, but also the hottest and most arid.

Why is Washington, D.C. so Roman?

Why is Washington, D.C. so Roman?

The U.S. capital has more Roman-style architecture than almost any major city. We explore why.

A Classical Chinese Garden

A Classical Chinese Garden

Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Ore., was built by artisans from the garden city of Suzhou, China, to demonstrate the basic elements of Chinese gardens.

Duke’s Beautiful Campus, Academic Excellence and Mixed Legacy

Duke’s Beautiful Campus, Academic Excellence and Mixed Legacy

Duke University's Gothic architecture and academic excellence alongside its mixed historical legacy makes it a microcosm of the American South's historical dilemmas.

The Racism of Confederate Statues

The Racism of Confederate Statues

The racist past associated with the Confederacy and Confederate monuments has a complex history.

Sustainable Tourism for Holidays

Sustainable Tourism for Holidays

Packing for travel this holiday season should include a primer on how to be responsible, sustainable tourists. Here it is.

New Orleans - Exuberant Hybrid

New Orleans - Exuberant Hybrid

New Orleans's hybrid culture is the result of its 300 years as the gateway to trading networks of the Mississippi River.

Wolf in Ship’s Clothing

Wolf in Ship’s Clothing

The picturesque town of Bristol, Rhode Island, once was a slave port and home of the nation's leading slave traders, the DeWolfs.

Japanese Design Past and Present

Japanese Design Past and Present

Architect Kengo Kuma's village at the Portland Japanese Garden blends modern architecture with traditional Japanese design.

 Memorial to Once-Forgotten People

Memorial to Once-Forgotten People

A moving monument and burial ground in Manhattan comemorates enslaved people who once made up more than a third of New York City.

Elements of a Japanese Garden

Elements of a Japanese Garden

Imagine you're sitting in Los Angeles traffic on a hot day. Take a break and head for a cool green oasis - Suihoen Japanese Garden

California’s Danish Village

California’s Danish Village

Solvang, California's Danish village, is the perfect place to take an afternoon stroll and enjoy pastries and art galleries.

The Land of Junipero Serra

The Land of Junipero Serra

Junipero Serra's "sainthood" is controversial, but the extent of his cultural impact on California is indisputable.

Why Isn’t Every Town Like Carmel?

Why Isn’t Every Town Like Carmel?

Carmel, California, demonstrates how design, planning and environmentalism can enhance a small town.

Charleston

Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of America's most beautiful and heartbreaking cities.